Residents still grumble, as Lagos bows to protests, reviews controversial Land Use Charge

Following protests that greeted a hike in Land Use Charge (LUC) by the Lagos State government, it has reviewed the policy.

The state government under Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had introduced a policy raising LUC by over 400 per cent, a move which sparked protests from many sectors in the state.

The government has however reviewed the policy, and gone further to announce reduced figures for LUC.

According to the government, payment of LUC fee following the review can be done installmentally as it would relieve house owners the burden of paying the amount once.

The state government announced a 50 per cent discount for commercial property owners while private property owners and those used for industrial activities were given 25 per cent decrease.

This has however not abated complaints from resident in the state, who have castigated the state government which they describe as insensitive.

They have argued that an increase in LUC in whatever form should not be introduced at a time like this when the economy is biting harder, with many people unable to make ends meet.

The government announced, that “Commercial Property Owner, who are undoubtedly the stakeholders mostly impacted by this amended Law will be granted 50 per cent discount. This means a commercial property valued at N20 million which was earlier billed N91,200.00 will now pay N45,600.00 per annum.”

“Property Occupied by Owner and Third Party & Property Used for Industrial and Manufacturing Purposes: These categories of property will enjoy 25 per cent discount. This means that a N20 million property expected to pay N30,720 will now pay N23,040 per annum.”

In the same manner, property occupied by owners were given 15 per cent discount off the reviewed land use fee. This category of property will enjoy 15 per cent discount. For a N20 million property, this used to be N9,120 now, it is N7,752 per annum.

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The government however said that other rates and reliefs remain unchanged and will be implemented as stipulated by Law. These include 40 per cent general relief, 10 per cent for 70 years and above, 105 for properties owned by persons living with disability and 10 per cent for properties that are 25 years

It further revealed that penalty for late payment has been waived and that those who have paid the fee allocated to them would enjoy tax credits.

It said, “The penalty regime for late payment of LUC has been waived completely. Therefore, LUC payers who have received their bills will no longer be penalized for late payment of bills issued in 2018, thereby providing additional relief to LUC payers.”

 

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